Mrs Big Dubya

July 24, 2007

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Now, Why is this breaking news?

July 19, 2007

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July 17, 2007

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July 14, 2007

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Blasphemy

We've got rules people......

I know that some rules are meant to be broken, but others just aren't.

As mentioned before, Aunt P and I are in Dublin for our cousin's wedding reception. The party is tonight, so we arrived yesterday and will head home on Monday. We flew out Thursday night and landed Friday morning -- around 7:45am Irish time (2:45 Boston time).

Thankfully our hotel let us check in early and we took a great nap -- would have taken a shower, but there were no towels (story for another post).

After our nap we decided to go explore a little -- but it was pouring rain. So, we opted to grab lunch in the lobby bar instead -- hoping the weather would clear in a bit. Of course, we had a beer or two as well -- Aunt P had one of these, while I stuck with one of these (this is an actual photo of our beers). It's cute that they put your beer in the appropriate glass (they had no Kilkenny ones clean, so Aunt P had to compromise).

And this is where we witnessed the egregious offense.

Back the story up a bit, for years the only American beer you could get in Ireland was Budweiser and maybe MGD -- interestingly enough, light beer hadn't really caught on -- still hasn't.

But, a few years ago while I was here (the Big Dubya and I were still dating) Coors Light was introduced -- and it has become wildly popular (it's one of the only light beers you can find in Ireland). Anyway, lots of girls drink Coors Light over here. Now, I like Coors Light (probably more than the average person) but when I'm in Ireland..... it's just wrong to drink American beer -- so, I opt for Carlsberg, Smithwicks, Heineken or of course Guinness. Guinness is a good choice because it is supposed to be served at room temperature -- seems like cold is a tough thing to achieve in beverages over here -- but we are going to the Guinness brewery today, so I figured I'd save my Guinness enjoyment for our trip to the mother ship, St. James Gate.

Anyway, yesterday we were sitting in the bar enjoying our beer & deep fried food (sausage & chips.... the had no curry) and someone ordered a Bulmers and a Coors Light...... ON ICE!!!

Yes, they poured their cider and their beer into glasses of ice. We also witnessed people drinking wine on ice -- Aunt P and I were horrified...... beer over ice? how could you do such a thing?

July 13, 2007

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Life from Dublin, Ireland

July 12, 2007

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I know, I'm a total duphis

July 11, 2007

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Wanted -- One Good Bra

July 9, 2007

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July 4, 2007

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When your friends become parents

When you are young and single, it's not all that uncommon for you to go on vacation with your friends..... that's what young, single people do.

When you are coupled-up (married or not), it's not all that uncommon for you to go on vacation with your coupled-up friends..... that's what couples do.

When you have a family, it's not all that uncommon for you to go on vacation with other families... that's what families do, right?

We go on vacation in groups all the time -- as a matter of fact, we just got back from a trip to Disney with my sister (Aunt P), her husband and my mother. In August we are heading to CA with my parents, my sister & her husband to meet up with some extended family for my cousin's wedding. In the spring, we have a couple of trips in the works -- one with the Big Dubya's parents, and another with my family -- and yet another trip in the works for next fall. It actually seems like we do more group trips than "just us" ones -- and that's okay with me.

Here's the part that gets tricky.

When your friends have children and you have children -- yet, your parenting style/philosophy just doesn't synch up.

When we go away, or when we stay in the home of another family -- we are, understandably, in unusually close-quarters. So, I try to over-compensate -- make sure that my kids are, to the extent possible, on their best behavior.

My rationale is that they are my kids, and cleaning up after them and correcting them shouldn't be a burden for anyone else to shoulder. In the event that someone else does need to correct my child for mis-behaving -- then, the adult is always right. Most of our friends feel the same way, and so -- there's no issue.

But, what about when your friends who (despite their claim to be very strict) are much more passive with their children?

Their kids can watch TV (regardless of content) as much or as often as they want -- they use fresh language with adults, and it's considered "cute," they eat their meals.... wherever they want... kitchen table, living room..... whatever.

When their kids get up in the morning, these parents remain in bed assuming that you'll take care of them.... or that they can busy themselves.

They have no problem leaving the morning breakfast dishes (remaining partially chewed food and all) on the table (or the couch) when they leave for the day...... all the while using the excuse "it's okay to relax the rules, they are on vacation"

These are also the parents who say "oh, kids do that" at birthday parties when their kid rushes over and starts opening all the gifts.

Makes me think we won't be vacationing with these friends again anytime soon.

June 30, 2007

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Are babies addictive?

Today's Post is Sponsored by the Number 3!

In June 2005, the Big Dubya and I welcomed our first son (known here as the 'lil Dubya). Of course I knew my life would change, but I'm not sure I could have ever imagined how much I would love this little person.

When he was about four or five months old, I started to get the itch.... I was ready to have another baby. The Big Dubya thought I was out of my mind..... he was still reeling from the trauma of the 'lil man's arrival -- but it didn't take long for him to agree that it was time to start trying for our second and final child. He told me repeatedly "there will be no number three" and even though I'm not sure I meant it, I said that was fine -- we still had no idea how my body would handle pregnancy the second time around. Unlike the first time, we got pregnant right out of the gate -- the 'lil man was 8 months old.

In November 2006, we welcomed our first daughter (known here as the 'lil Dubyette). We did encounter some complications, but.... they were managed very closely and her delivery was fairly uneventful. Again, I knew my life would have to change in order to juggle a newborn and a toddler -- but I had no idea the joy and happiness this little person would add to our lives.

Once again, when she was four or five months -- I started to wanting to try for a third. I know, I know -- I must have a screw loose. I really hoped that it was just hormones and that it would pass -- but it hasn't. The Big Dubya has made his feelings pretty clear, he wants to be done. We even posted some of the pro/con arguments that have been bandied about here.

Cognitively, the arguments against a number three are many..... our ages, our financial situation, our house, the two gorgeous and healthy children we already have..... I know that being done is a good answer, being done makes sense, we have the perfect little family..... so, why do I still ache for a third? Why do I look at the 'lil Dubya & 'lil Dubyette playing together and wish they had another baby brother or sister to grow up with?

I'm only half-joking when I ask.... Am I a junky? Do I have a problem? Do I need to go to baby-rehab to get this baby-addiction under control?

The Big Dubya's still against the idea, although I do catch him having the occasional moment of weakness -- and then he asks.... "Okay, so if we have #3, will you want #4?" I honestly don't think so, but I can't say for sure..... I know that if we ever did move forward with #3 that surgical measures would be taken to prevent any further discussion..... granted, I suspect that he'd have me committed at that point anyway, so......

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Check us Out!

June 29, 2007

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They don't even look alike

June 26, 2007

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Diet, Diet, Diet

June 22, 2007

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So, how do you handle it when.....

June 19, 2007

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While I was on the Dunkin Donuts Website Yesterday

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Large Iced Coffee, Light with Milk and One Sweet & Low

June 18, 2007

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Cheers!

So, the 'lil Dubya must have seen us doing it while we were on vacation.... 'cause now he walks around with his sippy-cup slamming it into whatever we happen to be drinking and exclaiming CHEERS! with a little British accent (yes, I'm not sure how or why..... but he's got a bit of a British accent).

It's very, very cute.

Growing up, we had a neighbor and every evening at 5:00 or 5:30 -- she'd announce "Cocktail Time!" and she'd fix everyone a drink.

It didn't necessarily have to be an alcoholic drink -- the kids would get apple juice, a Shirley Temple or something like that in a cute glass (just to make it special) -- she and her husband might have a glass of wine, a beer or an iced tea or coffee.... whatever the mood called for.

It was just a nice treat in the afternoon -- to sit and have a chat while dinner was coming together.

I really liked her "Cocktail Time" and hoped that I'd institute it in my house when I grew up..... but, I haven't -- yet.

Our house, like so many is crazy hectic in the time between arriving home and sitting down to dinner -- we could probably benefit from a few minutes to catch our breaths and have a cocktail.

Maybe we'll start that tonight....

This topic really came to mind when I read this article about underage drinking. The article itself bothers me on a few levels.... primarily because this is important stuff and I think the article fails to discuss the real issue. Instead, they dial it in and take the easy way out..... dealing with extremes and absolutes -- not even acknowledging the grayer areas.

Here's what I mean -- the family they use as examples are the EXTREME -- I mean, Mr & Mrs Bonehead went and bought booze for their 16-year old son's birthday and let him & his friends get hammered on their watch -- and now they are shocked to be going to jail. How is this the sole basis for a story about underage drinking in the home? These people gave booze to other people's kids? They let these kids get hammered in their home -- and think they a trophy because they didn't let the kids drive home after.

The article goes on to discuss the physiological repercussions of children who drink too much -- again, a very narrow view of teens who are allowed to drink at home.

Let me be clear, I was not allowed to drink at home when I was a teen -- I was almost 30 before I felt comfortable having a beer in front of my mother (I still feel like I get the evil eye when I drink in front of her) -- and I do not condone the behavior of these parents or any who would think to throw their 16 year old a keg party.

However, these are not the only plausible scenarios -- it's not necessarily an all (your kid gets shitfaced at home every weekend) or nothing (no alcohol is allowed in the house ever) matter.

Growing up, we were allowed to have a half a glass of champagne to participate in a celebratory wedding toast -- I think that's okay.

We were allowed to have a half a glass a wine at Christmas dinner -- again, I think that's okay.

My parents would never have dreamed of offering alcohol to one of our friends -- that is never okay. They would not have allowed us to get hammered or out of control -- again, not okay ever.

I've posted my thoughts on alcohol consumption in front of children here before.... and I took some heat for it -- oh well. But, isn't the best way to teach your children about responsible behavior (regarding alcohol or anything else) -- by setting a responsible example?

June 14, 2007

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Instant Gratification

June 6, 2007

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It's a brotherhood we just don't understand

Last week, The Big Dubya and I along with Aunt P and her husband went out for a lovely dinner to celebrate Aunt P's birthday.

While we were sitting at the bar enjoying some cocktails and terrific Irish music, the Big Dubya whispered something to me that I've heard him say many, many times before.

"There's a soldier".

I don't know why I still ask... he's always right, but as usual I asked him how he could tell from all the way across the room.

This time it was a rucksack parked discreetly at his feet, other times it's been a haircut, a key chain, a tee-shirt, a patch on a jacket or an overheard word or phrase...... things I would have never noticed, but a former soldier would never miss.

And, as has happened many times before -- the Big Dubya hopped off his stool and said, "I'm going to go buy him a beer" and he went over, introduced himself, thanked him for his service and bought him a beer. Sometimes these exchanges last just a few minutes -- this particular one was probably close to a half hour -- and they almost always end in a handshake this time it was a hug.

The soldier we met last Monday night will soon be heading back to Iraq for his third tour -- and, although sad to be leaving home, he is proud to be going -- he believes in the work he's doing there.

No, this post is not about the war in Iraq or anywhere else for that matter -- so, please refrain from commenting on that today, the anniversary of D-Day.

I am rarely prouder of my husband than when he goes on one of these "beer-buying-missions." Not because he goes off to buy some random guy a beer, because it is so much more than just that. It is his effort to make some small gesture toward a young man who is sacrificing for our nation, our family's safety and well being. It is because he stops and takes time out of our evening to get to know a little bit about a guy who surrenders time with his own family to defend the safety of strangers.

This post is about how the Army takes boys and turns them into men -- and in the case of this soldier and my husband it's about how the Army takes boys and turns them into gentlemen and brothers.

Aunt P noticed the Big Dubya was missing and asked me where he'd gone -- so, I told her and she said "Oh okay, does he do that often?" to which I responded "Yeah he does, it's a brotherhood we just don't understand"

May God Bless all of our military men & women.

June 4, 2007

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Fashion Emergency

June 2, 2007

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How is it possible?

May 31, 2007

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Riddle me this....

May 30, 2007

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Separated at Birth?

May 23, 2007

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Look Out Disney, Cause Here We Come

May 19, 2007

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Bar Number

May 18, 2007

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Holland?

The sister of one of Aunt P's friends passed away, geez.... probably 10 years ago now. She was only 16 or 17.... maybe she was 18, I don't remember now. She had been battling some serious heart problems -- very common in Down Syndrome kids.

She was a lovely kid -- full of love and life...... and man, could she try your patience -- oh, boy. But, like any child -- she brought her family joy, laughter and yes, tears.

Aunt P's friend is like part of our family -- they've been best of friends since kindergarten, served as bridesmaids in each others wedding. I've watched this child grow into an amazing woman -- she's one of the kindest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.

I sometimes wonder if amazing people are born or if they are shaped by their life experience -- probably some combination of the two. I think having had and then losing a special sister has helped mold this girl into an extraordinary person. I was telling Mr Big Duyba last night that I think of her when I hear the term "steel magnolia" -- hard to imagine such strength could reside in such a delicate person -- but it does.

I remember at the funeral, someone read this story -- I always think of it when I see the parent of a special child. I wonder where they find the strength, the patience, the courage..... but they do. I thought of it again when I read Chag's post yesterday morning, and the Big Dubya's comments yesterday afternoon. I can't begin to imagine what's running through their heads and their hearts -- but this story helps me a little.

Welcome to Holland
By Emily Perl Kingsley

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to help people who have not shared this unique experience, to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this. When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make wonderful plans. The Coliseum. Michelangelo David. The Gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland." "Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean, Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It's just a different place. It's slower paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around. And you begin to notice that Holland has windmills. And Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy. And they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there.

And for the rest of your life, you will say, "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain will never, ever go away. Because the loss of that dream is a very, very significant loss. But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to go to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things. About Holland.

May 16, 2007

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May 15, 2007

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The Whinery is Open!

May 13, 2007

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Wanted: Free Stuff

May 10, 2007

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Wine Club

See Update Below for a list of potential club names

A few months ago, Kara started this nifty book club. It's not so much that I'm little-miss-intellectual, but I was very excited to join.... I love good books and having other people to chat with about them is great incentive to read more and to read books that I wouldn't have necessarily selected on my own.

Yesterday, I was visiting Sarah's site and reading about the wines she enjoys on a regular basis. I L-O-V-E wine -- and was excited to see that I've never tried any of the ones she recommends.... will be looking for those on my next trip to the wine store. It got me thinking.... I even sent her an email suggesting we start some sort of wine club.... and then I realized, Hey.... I don't need Sarah to do it..... I can start a wine club!

So, here it goes.... I'm starting an on-line wine club (Yaaayyy me!). Hopefully Sarah will join, and Kara, and Arwen, and Insurance Mom, and Clare's Dad, and Mr Big Dubya of course....... maybe some of the cool DadCentric guys and our friends at Dad Said Mom Said.... it'll be huge, I'll be famous!.... um, okay -- back to reality.

I'm still not sure I've figured out all the mechanics -- but the gist of it is...... people who are interested in being members will post recommendations of wines that they like and warn of ones that they didn't.

Because wine availability is pretty regional.... It probably wouldn't work to insist that we all drink the same wine -- but, we can try and see how it goes.

Personally, (I'm poor and cheap) I tend to purchase wines in the $8-$12 range for pizza nights.... a nicer dinner might go as high as $14 and then wines with prices north of that are typically reserved for special occasions or to be brought to someone else's house.

So..... who's in?

and

Any thoughts on a sassy name for us???

Update:
Potential Club Names
The Cellar
Uncorked
Tipsy on Vino
Varietals
The Cask
veni, vedi, vino!
decanter
Cask 'n' Flagon (why not?)
jeroboam joy
Bunch of Grapes (after a cute 'lil pub in Galway)

The Whinery

May 9, 2007

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Cow-tipping is for sissies

May 7, 2007

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What can go awry when you throw your husband a surprise 40th

May 6, 2007

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May 2, 2007

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So, it started with a little granola and some salad dressing

A while back, I posted my commitment to losing the remainder of the baby-weight.... 7lbs of pre-pregnancy weight, coupled with 5lbs of actual pregnancy weight. I began a couch-to-5K program and was eating healthy.... loosely following a Weight Watchers diet.

I was doing great..... I'd gotten to within 6lbs of my goal.... I was feeling really good and fitting into a lot of my pre-baby clothes and then THUD.

Did you hear that? That was Mrs Big Dubya falling off the diet wagon and leaving a big old dent in the ground.

Looking back, it's pretty clear that it wasn't one thing that caused my diet's demise.... it was a serious of what should have been little things.... but string 'em together and UGH diet disaster!

See, first -- we had a contractor working on our basement (this is where the treadmill lives), and given our extended winter here in CT and the fact that it's dark when I get home from work.... let's just say there was a little more couch than 5K in my evenings.

So, that leaves diet.

I had been having oatmeal for breakfast every morning -- it's WW-friendly, good for you, high in fiber and the cafeteria at works makes big vats of it, sells it for cheap. Sounds harmless, right? Well, of course when there's a big vat of it -- you take way more than they'd give you in one of those packets -- AND, they don't just have oatmeal..... they have a "hot cereal bar". You can top your bland bowl of mushy oatmeal with yummy less-diet-friendly items like granola (couple of scoops) raisins (sprinkle a few of those) dried cranberries (you know, for a splash of color) and some brown sugar (just a bit to sweeten it up)..... and if it's clumpy (oatmeal gets clumpy you know) throw in a splash of whole milk.

Then there was lunch..... I had been having a salad from the salad bar. Sounds good & healthy, right? Sure does! Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red peppers, carrots, broccoli....... and then I decided to add a few croutons, some of that pasta salad..... and I can have a little of the good fatty dressing right? (Parmesan Peppercorn.... yummmm..... I could bathe in the stuff)

Lastly, the Big Dubya and I dutifully gave ice-cream up for lent..... so for the first two weeks after Easter, we just had to reward ourselves with some frosty treats.... not small ones either, large with toppings, lots of toppings!

Yeah, let's just say...... I gained a good 8lbs putting me 2lbs above where I started! UGH!!!!!

My name is Mrs Big Dubya and I'm a great big FATTY!

Well, after realizing that I couldn't zip several pairs of my pants..... I got back to the diet.... and am back to being down 5lbs (7lbs to go for those of you keeping score).

The basement will be done later this week or early next week, so I'm recommitting to the couch-to-5K and, to keep me honest, I plan to join my good pal Kara for this in September.

April 27, 2007

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A few of my favorite things....

A close friend of Aunt P's had a baby last week.... a beautiful and healthy baby girl. Mother and daughter are doing fine.... Dad's probably freakin' out, but.... that's to be expected, right?

After you've had a baby, lots of people look to you for advice on what a good baby gift is -- so, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite gifts..... I loved some of these so much that I gave them to other people (their own.... I didn't regift, duh!).

The Cape Buffalos gave the little man an enormous one of these with his name embroidered on it -- it was his first piece of mail. Let me tell you, this bag is so versatile -- it has served as a weekend bag and as a toy chest -- yet, no matter how much stuff you jam in there (even the awkwardly shaped stuff like toys, books, diapers and wipes), it's still compact, easy to carry and not heavy!

Aunt P got me one of these, I'll admit it -- I was skeptical. And although my kids both were able to figure out a way to propel themselves out of it..... it's a nifty little thing to have around. It works great for those early feedings when the baby's too small for the highchair -- and it's small/light enough that you can take it to Grandma's if you need to.

My cousin, who recently had a set of twins herself, sent me a set of these. Her rationale was that everyone is so focused on the baby..... she wanted to do something nice for the Mommy. These pajamas were great -- pretty, yet comfy -- and they had a built-in-nursing bra, making those late night feedings less of a hassle.

We got these 'lil guys from a neighbor of the Big Dubya's parents. At first, I thought they were kind of impractical -- the kid can't walk, what's he need shoes for? But, I was wrong. These are fantastic because they keep the socks on!!!! And, as the baby gets older and starts to stand/walk -- they keep his/her feet warm, but still give them the benefits associated with being barefoot.

A former colleague sent the 'lil man this -- and it is so lovely. It's a book, but it's also a keepsake and tells a personalized story -- I love it.

Miss America gave the 'lil man this and the 'lil lady this and they are awesome.... although, the 'lil man's favorite tag was the one with the washing instructions.....